Scientist who jointly discovered Ebola virus urges nations to invest in research

26th Jan 2015 A leading scientist, Professor Peter Piot has urged Africa and some parts of the west to invest in researching vaccines because of the risks of epidemics such as Ebola, and in order to prevent future emergencies. Prof Peter Piot told the BBC that developed nations would be in “deep trouble” if the world did not prepare properly for another outbreak, and has asked that global leaders should take a long-term view of the situation. He said this while speaking at the World Economic Forum, in Davos.

Prof Piot co-discovered the Ebola virus in 1976, and has also helped the World health organization in the fight against AIDS. He now heads the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.

The professor says audiences need to understand that there was unpreparedness in the case of the Ebola virus currently being battled in parts of the world. He has also stressed that public health policies must “transcend politics and borders”.